Chapter 82
Chapter 82:
The comparisons were inevitable.
After all, Bella was already the epitome of accomplishment—poised, talented, and socially adept.
The murmurs grew quieter when Donna entered the hall, accompanied by a young girl.
They had just returned from greeting guests outside, but the moment they stepped through the door, conversations faltered, and heads turned, drawn by an invisible force.
For a moment, the chatter stilled as everyone took the sight in. Yelena’s presence was magnetic, even in its understated simplicity.
While she exuded no intention of commanding the room, her very existence seemed to challenge the expectations they had built around her.
“Who is she? Quite the beauty, isn’t she p>
“I heard she’s the Harris family’s long-lost daughter. She’s gorgeous, no doubt, but there’s an aloofness about her. Almost too detached p>
“Beautiful or not, what does that matter p>
“Let’s see what kind of character she has. Actions speak louder than appearances, after all p>
“True enough! I wonder what gift she’s brought for Mrs. Harris. That’ll say plenty about her p>
Yelena, seemingly unfazed by the whispers, offered her birthday wishes in a soft but clear voice, exuding quiet politeness.
But before Elianna could respond, Bella’s voice cut through the moment. “Yelena, what gift did you bring for Grandma? We’re all dying to see it p>
Inside, Bella brimmed with satisfaction. Surely, whatever Yelena had prepared—if anything at all—would pale in comparison to her own extravagant gift.
Someone from Yelena’s background simply couldn’t possibly match the sophistication and refinement Bella had worked so hard to cultivate.
Her mocking smile sharpened as she added, “Don’t keep us in suspense, Yelena. Show us what you’ve prepared p>
Every pair of eyes followed Bella’s lead, scanning Yelena for a sign of her gift.
It didn’t take long for the realization to settle—
Yelena’s hands were empty. No ornate box, no carefully wrapped parcel.
Bella’s amusement deepened, convinced she had her rival cornered.
Yelena’s expression remained unchanged, her demeanor effortlessly composed despite Bella’s incessant probing.
Katelyn seized the moment, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. “Bella is so thoughtful! Unlike some people, who show up empty-handed for their grandmother’s birthday. What a pity p>
The jab landed squarely, and murmurs rippled through the gathering.
How could Yelena be so careless? Clearly, she indeed wasn’t raised right!
It was her own grandmother’s birthday, for crying out loud!
Just as the tension seemed ready to crest, a man in a tailored black suit entered the room, his polished shoes tapping softly against the marble floor.
He carried an ornate box, its craftsmanship so exquisite that it drew immediate attention. Pinned to his lapel was the unmistakable insignia of a prestigious auction house.
His mere presence silenced the whispers.
An auction house delivery? Personally delivered by the auction house representative?